In 2020, the unemployment rate in North Carolina has unfortunately increased. There are also thousands of college students that have graduated and are looking for an option for temporary health insurance before open enrollment. If you are in either of these situations or need temporary health insurance in 2020 or the early part of 2021, contact The Mair Agency today.
If you cannot afford to lose insurance until open enrollment and eventual full enrollment in 2021 there are options available. Do not hesitate to reach out to our team of North Carolina health insurance experts as son as possible.
If you have a gap in health insurance coverage for any reason, temporary health insurance is a wise investment. Although it may be tempting to go without coverage for a bit of time in order to save money, doing so is risky. You may become sick or injured while you are not covered by an insurance plan and be forced to pay thousands of dollars in medical bills out-of-pocket.
Fortunately, there are no open enrollment periods for short term health insurance. You can find a plan, enroll, pay your premium, and enjoy coverage immediately after. Since monthly premiums on short term health insurance plans are typically less expensive than Obamacare, you’ll be saving money by enrolling in one.
In addition, short term health insurance plans are flexible. You can select how long you’d like coverage for so you won’t be tied to a plan for shorter or longer than you’d like. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina offers short term health insurance coverage for up to 90 days.
You can choose whether you’d like coverage for 30, 45, 60, or 90 days.
To apply for short term health insurance from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina, you must meet be:
- A North Carolina resident
- 65 years of age or younger
- Not eligible for Medicare or Medicaid
- Not enrolled in any other short term health coverage within the last year
Before you decide on a short term health insurance plan, there are a few things you should do including:
- Read the fine print: To avoid unwanted surprises, be sure to carefully read the details of your short term health insurance plan. The fine print will inform you what the plan covers and most importantly, what it does not cover. By taking the time to familiarize yourself with its coverage, you can ensure you and your family receive the type of coverage that makes sense for your particular situation.
- Understand out-of-pocket expenses: Out-of-pocket expenses vary from plan to plan. Make sure you are clear on the out-of-pocket expenses and deductible of a short term health insurance plan before moving forward with it.
- Remember how your plan will affect COBRA: If you opt for a short-term health insurance plan instead of COBRA coverage, keep in mind that you won’t be eligible for COBRA once your short-term plan expires.
- Compare all of your options: Take the time to weigh the pros and cons of each short-term health insurance plan available to you. Going with the first one you find can hurt you and your family down the line.
- Realize your plan won’t cover everything: Unfortunately, no health insurance plan will cover everything. This is especially true with a short-term health plan that is not required to cover the same benefits enforced by the ACA. Our Goldsboro dentist friends at Carlyle Dentistry, have a number of patients contacting them on a consistent basis that find out they are not covered for cosmetic surgeries.
- Figure out how your plan will affect your regular care: If there are certain specialists you see and prescriptions you fill on a regular basis, understand the role your short-term health insurance plan will have on them.
- Consult an insurance expert: While you can select a short-term health insurance plan on your own, it is in your best interest to get a professional’s advice. An insurance expert at the Mair Agency can confirm that you’re making the right decision or propose an alternative option that makes more sense for your family’s particular needs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Short Term Health Insurance
When does short term health insurance make sense?
There are a number of reasons you may want short term health insurance. These plans may make sense if you are rolling off your parent’s insurance, in between jobs, waiting for benefits to begin at a new job, losing coverage after a divorce, or waiting for your Affordable Care Act (ACA) coverage to begin.
Why is short term health insurance a good idea?
The reality is that life is unpredictable. Even if you are in good health today, you may fall and break your leg tomorrow. Without health insurance, you may be left with thousands upon thousands of dollars in medical bills. Short term health insurance can help you avoid this situation and provide you with the security and peace of mind you deserve.
Can I cover my family with short term health insurance?
Yes. If you have a spouse and children, they may be covered under a short term health insurance plan.
Does short term health insurance provide coverage for preexisting medical conditions?
If you have a pre-existing medical condition, you should know that short term medical insurance will probably not cover it. Some examples of preexisting medical conditions include diabetes, COPD, sleep apnea, and cancer.
How can I save money on short term health insurance?
There are a variety of ways you may be able to save money on short term health insurance. You can choose a higher deductible, pay your total premium up front, choose a plan with fewer benefits, or choose a per cause deductible option. Our insurance experts can also help you save big.
What if I don’t need coverage for as long as I thought?
If you don’t need coverage for as long as you thought, there will be no problem. You can drop your coverage at any time.
Learn About Your Short Term Health Insurance Options
For assistance on selecting the right temporarily health insurance plan for you, we encourage you to call the insurance experts at The Mair Agency today at (919) 459-2683. Whether you are in Charlotte, Raleigh or Wilmington, we have agents in the area that can help you in your search for short term health insurance.
You can read this article in Spanish here – Seguro de salud temporal en Carolina del Norte – ¿Cuáles son mis opciones?